Ben Wheatley (along with writer/editor Amy Jump) has developed a career as one of the UK’s best up and coming directors. But he’s about to make the transition to shooting a film in the US. His next film Free Fire will be an “action shootout movie” with Luke Evans in the lead role and a healthy influence from Sam Peckinpah and hard-boiled crime movies. Read More »

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One of the U.K.’s most interesting filmmakers is coming to our shores. Ben Wheatley is getting a cast together for Free Fire, a ’70s-inspired action shootout that will be his first-ever film set in the U.S.

So far, he’s off to a great start. Olivia Wilde, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, and Armie Hammer are all on board, along with Wheatley regular Michael Smiley. Hit the jump for Ben Wheatley Free Fire plot details and more.

It’s not like Down Terrace, Kill List, and Sightseers were safe and conventional to begin with, but Ben Wheatley‘s latest feature is by all accounts his weirdest yet. A quick glance at the new trailer, and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

Set during the English Civil War, A Field in England centers around a group of soldiers who follow an alchemist on his search for treasure. They come into a strange field with a mushroom circle, and then things take a turn for the intensely bizarre. Watch the latest promo and a new poster after the jump.

I only know a few things about Kill List, the latest film from Ben Wheatley (Down Terrace). I know that some friends who have seen the movie have raved about its ability to manipulate genre conventions and audience expectations. Even those who have seen it and not loved it, such as Germain, had things to say that intrigued me. (Germain’s Fantastic Fest review mentioned the film posing “really screwed up and fascinating questions.”)

And I know that the trailer that has been released to begin the promotion for the limited February release, via IFC, looks great. But I’m reluctant to discover any more, because those I’ve talked to about the film suggest going in cold if at all possible.

All told, Kill List seems like a movie that should be on your radar. Have a look at the trailer below. And not to worry — it seems to be light on potential spoilers. Read More »

Ben Wheatley‘s second film, Kill List, is becoming quite a conversation piece as it makes the rounds of a couple festivals. The film is described as a blend of domestic drama, hired-killer thriller and mystical horror that works in a surprising and sometimes very visceral manner. (Check out trailers here and here.) The director (who also did Down Terrace) is using the Kill List momentum to set up a few other projects. One of them, Sightseers, is a dark comedy that will be exec produced by Edgar Wright. Read More »

Simon Pegg has Tweeted a link to the extended cast list for John Landis‘ Burke and Hare on IMDB. He indicated just one mistake on the roster – John Cleese will not be appearing – but called the rest of it “pretty spot on”. Not only does this mean that Spaced’s Tim and Daisy, Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes, will be reunited, but also that several other alumni of their sitcom will be cropping up, namely Michael Smiley, Bill Bailey and Reece Shearsmith. And then, not noted by Pegg in particular, there are also roles for some of my faves: Hugh Bonneville, John Woodvine and Ronnie Corbett. Superbness.

I’d previously wondered if Margaret Laird would be given space in the film’s narrative, and so far she’s not shown up on the list. Pegg does promise more surprises, however…

UPDATE: And now I’ve received an official press release to announce the start of production which lists both Tim Curry and Christopher Lee as being amongst the cast. it just keeps getting better and better.

One small mystery was put to rest as Paul Davis’ cameo was revealed to be as a patient, presumably of Dr. Knox.

Incidentally, the image at the top of the post shows the death masks of the real Burke and Hare.